International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Researchers have claimed that drugs derived from unusual metals could help the fight against certain cancers.

According to research conducted at the University of Warwick and the University of Leeds, UK, ruthenium and osmium compounds could contribute to an effective treatment against colon and ovarian cancer.

Published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, the study indicates that exposure to the metals can cause significant cell death, even in those resistant to Cisplatin, the most successful transition metal drug currently available on the market.

It has been used for over 30 years to tackle testicular cancer cases.

Dr Patrick McGowan, one of the lead authors from the University of Leeds, claimed that "significant progress" had been made during testing.

"Ruthenium and osmium compounds are showing very high levels of activity against ovarian cancer, which is a significant step forward in the field of medicinal chemistry," he stated.

AFP recently reported how a coalition of specialists told the European Cancer Organisation and the European Society for Medical Oncology congress in Berlin that gynaecological cancers are set to kill more women in developing countries over the coming years.